RB Care Guide: Trachyphyllia

Introduction to Trachyphyllia Care Trachyphyllia, or Trachy, as they are commonly called, are another extremely popular and must have LPS coral! These big meat corals are recognized by their fleshy, brightly colored bodies that light up the bottom of reef…

Introduction to Hammer Coral Care

Nothing screams reef keeping and especially LPS Corals quite like Hammers (Euphyllia ancora or paraancora). Their wide color variation, and signature anchor-like polyp structures make them incredibly unique. Their diversity and relative abundance only helps to drive their reputation as…

Introduction To Acropora Care

Hey, Reefers! Let’s talk Acropora! If an everyday, non-reefing individual was told to picture a coral, they are most likely envisioning an Acropora. Acropora, or Acro for short, are the pinnacle of not only reef keeping but actual reefs in…

Aquatic Symbiosis Genome (ASG) Project Fast Tracks Our Understanding of the Holobiont

Spearheaded by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Dr. Micheal Sweet, the Aquatic Symbiosis Genome project aims to sequence as many corals and their symbionts as possible to unlock conserved trends in their associations.  In recent years, DNA extraction from corals…

The Past, Present, and Future of Torch Corals, Euphyllia glabrescens

Known for their dazzling colors, swaying tentacles, and propensity to sting nearby corals, the Torch Coral, Euphyllia glabrescens, has been a staple of the reef aquarium hobby for decades. And given the continuous discovery of new varieties, this species will…

Why Coral Collectors Trim Corals and Why You Should Trim Them Too. 

Have you wondered why some corals look the way they do when you buy them at your aquarium store? Some with a flat base cut, some with grinding marks on them, and other man-made alterations. You might have seen this…

How to Manage Reef Tank Pests

Typically when starting a new project we only see the positive aspects and every task is filled with excitement and anticipation. For instance, when setting up a new garden in the Spring, we cultivate the soil, plant the seeds fertilize…

Phestilla arnoldi is a New Species of Acropora Eating Nudibranch

Researchers surveying a coral reef in the Gulf of Thailand have found 13 species of coral-eating nudibranch, including one that’s totally new to science. The nudibranchs belong to the genus Phestilla – small, frilly, parasitic/predatory sea slugs which mimic the…

How and Why to Dip Newly Acquired Corals

After getting corals via the internet or from a local shop they need to be treated for parasites, infections, and other maladies that we do not want to introduce into a tank. I know that shops and online stores will…

Five Best Reef Fish for Beginners

Got a new saltwater aquarium for Christmas? New to reefing? Here are our five best reef-safe fish to get you started on your reef tank journey Common Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Common clownfish and their close relative Percula clowns (A.percula) are…